Authority and Sovereignty in the Great Commission
The Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, begins with Jesus' declaration: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This statement establishes the foundation for the subsequent command to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" [7]. The concepts of authority and sovereignty are central to understanding the scope and nature of this commission.
Authority, in a biblical context, refers to the right to command or act, often implying a delegated power or a position of rightful control [6]. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus asserts that all authority has been given to him, indicating a comprehensive and unchallenged dominion. This authority transcends all rival powers, whether human or spiritual, in the present age and the age to come [7]. The Greek word for authority, exousia, often denotes both the right and the power to act [6]. This is distinct from mere power (dynamis), though the two are often closely related, as seen in Luke 9:1 where Jesus gives his disciples "power and authority" [6]. The authority Jesus possesses is not limited to a specific domain but extends "in heaven and on earth," signifying universal dominion [7].
Sovereignty, while closely related to authority, emphasizes God's ultimate and absolute rule over all creation. God's sovereignty means that he does all things according to the counsel of his will, demonstrating both immense wisdom and power [2]. His power is described as "great" and "almighty," knowing no bounds, and capable of accomplishing whatever he pleases [3, 4]. This divine sovereignty is evident in his ability to pass judgment, remove rulers, and destroy those who oppose him [1]. When Jesus declares that "all authority" has been given to him, it is an affirmation of his participation in this divine sovereignty, a transfer of ultimate control from the Father to the Son [7]. This transfer of authority is not a diminution of the Father's sovereignty but rather an expression of it, as the Father has exalted the Son and given him a name above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).
The Great Commission, therefore, is not merely a suggestion or an optional task, but a command issued from a position of absolute authority and backed by divine sovereignty. The disciples are sent out with the assurance that the one who sends them possesses all necessary power and right to ensure the success of their mission [7]. This understanding provides confidence and motivation for those undertaking the commission, knowing that they are acting under the mandate of the supreme ruler of the universe. The increase in power and authority is a recurring theme in scripture, often associated with righteous rule and divine favor [5]. The Great Commission is thus an extension of Christ's sovereign rule, inviting believers to participate in the expansion of his kingdom under his supreme authority.
Sources
- Daniel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Daniel 7:26: 7:26 God’s court has the authority to pass judgment and the power to remove and destroy this arrogant king.”
- Jeremiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Jeremiah 32:18: Great in counsel, and mighty in word,.... Counsel belongs to him, and he does all things after the counsel of his will, all things in nature, providence, and grace; and such a display of his wisdom is there in all, that show him to be excellent in counsel; to excel all others; not only to be great, but to be the greatest in counsel; and who regularly and perfectly performs all that he has wisely contrived; his wisdom and his power are equal to each other; he forms the scheme of all that he does with the greatest wisdom, and accomplishes by his power all that he has”
- Numbers (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Numbers 14:17: And now, I beseech thee, let the power of Lord be great,.... That is, appear to be great; the power of God is great, not only mighty, but almighty; it knows no bounds, nothing is impossible with him, he can do whatever he pleases, Psa 147:5; his power, and the greatness of it, had been seen in bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt, and through the Red sea, and in providing for them, protecting and defending them in the wilderness; and the request of Moses is, that it might appear greater and greater in bringing them into the land of promise; or else he means ”
- Numbers (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Numbers 14:17: let the power of my Lord be great--be magnified.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 29:2: (Compare Pro 11:10; Pro 28:28). in authority--(Compare Margin), increased in power.”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 9 (introduction): MISSION OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES. (Luk 9:1-6) power and authority--He both qualified and authorized them.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 1:21: 1:21 he is far above: Jesus’ power and authority transcend all rival powers, whether human or spiritual, in this age and the coming age (see 3:10; 6:12; John 12:31; Rom 8:38-39; 1 Cor 15:24; Col 1:13; 2:10, 15; 1 Pet 3:22; Rev 12:7-9).”